ROME — A fire followed by a powerful explosion occurred Thursday afternoon at the KNDS Ammo Italy ammunition facility in Colleferro, about 50–60 kilometers southeast of Rome.
The plant, formerly known as Simmel Difesa, produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition for ground and naval forces, along with solid propellants for missiles and aerospace vehicles. The site covers about 100 hectares and is classified as a high-risk industrial facility under Italy’s Seveso regulations.
BREAKING:
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A large explosion and fire hit a munitions plant in Colleferro, south of Rome, Italy.
The blast occurred at the plant owned by the major Italian defense manufacturer KNDS Ammo Italy, which produces medium- and large-caliber ammunition and solid rocket fuels.
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According to local reports citing emergency services and authorities, the first alert was received around 2:45 p.m. local time. The fire started in the powder-pressing workshop before the explosion. The blast was heard in nearby towns including Artena, Valmontone, Labico, Paliano and Serrone. Videos and eyewitness reports showed smoke and flames at the site.
Firefighters, Carabinieri and other emergency teams responded to the facility near the Quarto Chilometro/Via Ariana area toward Artena. Operations were complicated by the risk of further detonations. The affected area was reported to be limited to part of the production and storage zone.
No deaths or injuries were reported. Around 24 workers were at the facility and all were accounted for and safe. The mayor of Colleferro said the explosion involved a mixer used in the production process.
The Carabinieri and Velletri prosecutor’s office have opened an investigation. The preliminary focus is on the fire, but the exact cause remains under investigation and will require technical assessments.
Second European Ammunition Plant Incident This Week
The Colleferro explosion follows a August 10 fire and explosions at an EMCO defense plant near Belitsa, close to Tryavna in central Bulgaria. The facility is involved in ammunition assembly, loading and related activities. Workers were evacuated, with no injuries reported. Secondary fires and unexploded materials required further safety operations. The cause remains under investigation, while EMCO has ruled out human error.
KNDS Ammo Italy is part of the Franco-German KNDS defense group. The Colleferro site has more than a century of explosives and ammunition production history, including earlier ownership by Bombrini Parodi Delfino. The company also operates a demilitarization facility in nearby Anagni and supplies medium- and large-caliber ammunition to more than 40 countries.
Italian authorities continue to secure and monitor the Colleferro facility as the investigation continues.
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